Chipboard — Economical Thick Board for Backing Cards, Hang Tags, and Structural Packaging
Recycled gray chipboard for backing cards, hang tags, book covers, and structural packaging applications requiring rigid board at economical cost.
Why Choose Chipboard
About Chipboard
Chipboard is a dense, gray-brown recycled paperboard produced from secondary fiber without clay coating — the economical alternative to premium greyboard for applications where appearance is less critical than structural function. Chipboard is the material of backing cards, hang tags, book covers, game components, and structural packaging components where the board will not be seen or where its natural gray appearance is acceptable.
Available in a wide range of thicknesses from thin (0.5mm) backing card grades to thick (3mm+) structural board, chipboard provides rigid structure at the most competitive cost point in the rigid board category. For applications requiring the structural function of rigid board without the premium appearance requirements of greyboard-wrapped luxury boxes, chipboard is the practical choice.
Chipboard Applications in Packaging
Backing cards for blister and clamshell packaging use chipboard laminated to a printed face sheet — the chipboard provides structural rigidity while the face sheet carries brand graphics. Hang tags for apparel and accessories use chipboard die-cut to the required shape with a face-printed label applied. Rigid box inner trays and dividers use chipboard for structural separation without the premium material cost of full rigid greyboard. Game boards and playing cards use chipboard for dimensional stability.
Chipboard vs Greyboard: Choosing the Right Grade
Chipboard and greyboard are both recycled-content rigid boards, but greyboard is produced to tighter dimensional tolerances, higher density, and more consistent flatness for premium packaging applications. Chipboard is the economical alternative where these premium characteristics are not required. For luxury box construction where wrapping is applied over the board, greyboard is the appropriate specification. For structural components that will be hidden or covered, chipboard provides the necessary function at lower cost.
Quick Specs
- Minimum Order
- 100 units
- Production Time
- 2-3 weeks
- Free Shipping
- Yes
- Eco-Friendly
- Yes
Thickness Options
Best For
Affordable sample kits available
Chipboard is Best For
Available Box Styles
Chipboard works great with these box styles.
Tuck End Boxes
The most widely used retail packaging style, available in straight and reverse tuck configurations with premium printing and finishing.
Magnetic Closure Boxes
Premium rigid boxes with concealed neodymium magnets that create a satisfying closure experience for luxury products and gifting.
Sleeve Boxes
A printed outer sleeve slides over an inner tray to create a distinctive, two-component unboxing experience for premium products.
Pillow Boxes
Curved pillow boxes with a distinctive oval cross-section for jewelry, small gifts, candies, and promotional packaging.
Gable Boxes
Distinctive roof-peak gable boxes with integrated carry handle for food service, bakery, retail gifting, and event giveaways.
Two-Piece Boxes
Separate lid and base construction creates the definitive premium unboxing experience for luxury retail, corporate gifting, and apparel packaging.
Explore Other Materials
Browse our other packaging materials.
Cardboard
EcoPremium paperboard for folding cartons, retail boxes, and custom packaging across every consumer category.
Corrugated
EcoFluted corrugated board in single, double, and triple-wall configurations for shipping, retail display, and e-commerce packaging.
Rigid Board
Dense greyboard that permanently maintains shape — the substrate for rigid boxes, set-up boxes, and luxury packaging that communicates quality through substance.
Kraft Paper
EcoNatural brown kraft paper and board communicates authenticity, sustainability, and artisan quality — the preferred material for natural, organic, and craft brands.
White Cardstock
Bright white clay-coated cardstock delivers pristine print quality for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and premium consumer goods packaging.
Specialty Paper
Pearlescent, metallic, embossed, linen, and other specialty papers create packaging that is visually and tactilely distinct from standard substrates.
Available Finishes
Enhance your chipboard packaging with premium finishes.
Chipboard FAQs
What thickness chipboard is standard for hang tags?
Most apparel hang tags use 1mm to 1.5mm chipboard — thick enough to feel substantial in hand but thin enough to punch, die-cut, and string efficiently. Heavier hang tags for luxury brands use 2mm chipboard.
Can chipboard be printed directly?
Chipboard's gray surface does not provide good print quality for CMYK printing. For printed applications, chipboard is typically laminated with a printed face sheet (paper or thin board) that provides the print surface while chipboard provides the structural backing.
Is chipboard the same as greyboard?
They are similar materials — both are dense, recycled-content rigid boards. Greyboard is produced to tighter quality standards with higher density and more consistent flatness. Chipboard is the economical version appropriate for applications where premium board quality is not required.
Can chipboard be used for book covers?
Yes. Chipboard (often called 'binder's board' in book binding applications) is the standard material for hardcover book covers — the same rigid board construction used in rigid box manufacturing.
What is the minimum order for chipboard packaging?
Chipboard components start at 100 units. Custom die-cut chipboard shapes start at 100 units.
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